I’ve been involved in redesigning an inspiring Buckinghamshire-based wedding show over the past year, so wedding shows have become my thing. As we approach the autumn wedding show season more and more shows and fairs are being organised across the UK, where couples can meet suppliers and plan everything they need for their big day. But how can you make sure you get the most out of your day when visiting wedding shows?
Pick the Right Wedding Show for You
Be very careful which wedding shows you dedicate your time to. Look at their marketing and promotional material and see if they inspire you, and if not, think carefully.
Look at the show features; what’s going on, are there things you can get involved in, try your hand at, or have demonstrated to you? Shows which allow you to do this are generally the most useful as you can see and feel elements of your wedding day, which can help bring things to life.
It’s not necessarily the large, well-promoted wedding shows which are the must-visits. Don’t forget that wedding venues are getting better at recognising the benefits of laying on something exciting that showcases what they can do. Also, at some of the more intimate events you get a good chance to talk to the professionals and sense if they are a good match for you and your wedding.
There is a show for virtually every style of wedding now, so make sure you go with what’s right for you.
Pre-Register Before Visiting Wedding Shows
If a wedding show gives you the opportunity to pre-register, make sure you do. You invariably receive a goody bag, prize draw offer or early bird discount, so it’s definitely worth the advanced thought and planning.
Make a Day of It
Allow yourself some time to enjoy the show and take it all in. It’s lovely to visit a wedding show with your other half, mum, bridesmaids and other significant bridal party members and share some of the magic with them.
Whilst you might not necessarily spend all your time at the show, factor in lunch or drinks to regroup and discuss ideas. My advice is to do one trip around the show, then a break, then revisit any stands or features which caught your eye so you can delve into more detailed conversations whilst you’re in full creative mode.
Wear Flat Shoes and Take a Sturdy Bag
When visiting wedding shows you will be grateful for opting for the flats instead of heels, and a sturdy bag will be very useful for the many brochures that you’ll collect.
Take Notes
As soon as you’ve left a wedding show make some quick notes on the literature you’ve collected of anything which has crossed your mind, or anything or anybody you want to follow up. You might think you’ll remember it, but when you’re back to work and the rush of life you’ll forget who’s who, and you don’t want to mix up the run of the mill cake maker from the incredible wedding cake designer you saw!
Happy planning!
Guest post by Kelly Chandler
Image from The National Wedding Show